The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Your Scout gets to work with parents and leaders to imagine, design, create, and race unpowered wooden cars against fellow Cub Scouts.

The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.

It happens every year in January. While typically this is a family event so bring the grandparents, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who might enjoy the race.

Equal Ground

All entries in the derby will start with the "Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit" which includes the body, 4 axles, and 4 wheels. All nine pieces MUST be used before the car can race. The kits are sold at the local Scout Shop or online. All active Scouts will receive a kit as a Christmas present in December. Siblings and parents may buy a car for $5 each. Cars may not exceed 5 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications. Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the boys. The complete set of rules will be available below.

Derby Workshops

There will be several opportunities to mold and shape the block of pinewood into a mean lean well-decorated racing machine. If you are in need of workshop assistance, be sure to ping Steff. The scouts are not permitted to use power tools but they are encouraged to design the shape of their cars, sand them, and decorate them accordingly. Parents are encouraged to assist the scout but they should let the scout do most of the work.

Registration PWD 2025

On Check-in Night (the night before the big race) bring your car and your best smile. To make sure you are registered, sign up here!

You will have the opportunity to try your car once on the track to make sure is in its best condition, and in case you need it, our Pit Stop Crew will help you to tune your engines.

NOTE: We have a wooden track.

And finally, your car will be registered accordingly to your division and stored in a secure place for Race day.

Last but not least, give your car a name.

PWD 2025 Divisions

1) SCOUT DERBY - All the scout dens. The race heats will be comprised of cars from all dens and the siblings division even though awards are at the den level.

2) SIBLING DERBY - Scout brothers and sisters through fifth grade can enter their own cars.

3) OUTLAW (Adult) DERBY - Includes Siblings in 6th-12th grade/ Age 13 and above

Note: Please see the Rules & Registration page for PWD car and race rules

Race Day

Prizes and Recognition

The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all participants will be recognized. But that doesn't mean our race winners won't take home some shiny hardware.

Every effort is made to award Trophies, Ribbons, and cars at the conclusion of the event. Anything unclaimed will be available at the next pack meetings.

Awards

Arrow of Light Den - First, Second, & Third Place

Webelos Den - First, Second, & Third Place

Bears Den - First, Second, & Third Place

Wolfs Den - First, Second, & Third Place

Tiger Den - First, Second, & Third Place

Lion Den - First, Second, & Third Place

Overall for Scout Race*- First, Second, & Third place

Dragon Derby* - First, Second, & Third Place

Outlaw Derby* - First, Second & Third Place

Everyone who participates gets a ribbon

*Only Scouts qualify for the Overall Race Placement

Specialty Categories

Scouts Derby Awards

1. Best Workmanship (Most likely built by a Scout)

2. Best Engineering (Most likely built by an Adult)

3. Most Cub Scout Pride

4. Most Original

5. Best Vehicle Not A Car

6. Best Use Of Imagination

7. Most Patriotic

8. Most Likely To Be On Front Cover of Motor Trend

9. Strangest Shape

10. Fast and Furious (Fastest Looking Car)

11. Best Fuel Economy (slowest car)

Dragons Derby Awards

1. Best Wood Carving (Most likely built by a Dragon)

2. Most Futuristic (most likely done by an Adult)

3. Best Use Of Color

4. Most Military Looking

5. Shiniest Paint Job

6. Best Detail

7. Most Scouty

8. Most Creative Use Of Material

9. Muscle Car (Fastest Looking Car)

10. Best Fuel Economy (slowest car)